printcity alliance pre-drupa international Media Event 2012

When everyone is getting ready to make their participation in drupa 2012 (to be held in Düsseldorf during May 03-16, 2012) most rewarding, the exhibitors have started drive to present preview of their products portfolio to be displayed at the mecca of graphic arts industry. On this line, at the PrintCity Alliance Pre-drupa International Media event held in Munich during February 13-15, 2012, PrintCity Alliance members - including Eltosch, Leonard Kurz, manroland web systems, M-real/Metsäliitto, Océ, Procemex, Sappi, Trelleborg, and UPM, who believe in ‘the future of print’ and are investing in the future…, being active in Print: SEEN! LEAN & GREEN activities - announced their detailed plans for the mega event. SM Dutt, technical editor, Print & Publishing, who joined the preview moments, brings out the insights. With expertise across conventional and digital web & sheetfed printing, packaging and publishing, PrintCity members will be active at drupa12, offering visitors access their ‘Connection of Competence’ knowledge sharing and industry leading hot topics. In Hall 6 – the one stop drupa knowledge centre, visitors will see the latest products and technologies from PrintCity members and partners and gain cross-industry process knowledge in various special areas: including digital and offset printing – the best of both worlds, tuning-up web press – extending web printing performance, value added printing and packaging – touch the emotions and add new functions, and lean and green opportunities – improving economic and environmental performance.

Under the PrintCity drupa theme ‘PRINT: SEEN! LEAN & GREEN’, a shared networking environment will be created by the alliance members and partners with ‘hot topic’ visitor attractions PrintCity Alliance. SEEN! focuses on all areas of ‘value added’ opportunities, through advanced materials and techniques, plus their benefits in product branding, visibility, differentiation and increased business. While LEAN & GREEN focuses on the inter-relationship between lean manufacturing concepts and the latest thinking on environment good practice. Both used together increase profitability and ensure printers, publishers and packaging professionals stay ahead of the competitions.

Eltosch (Booth C30 in Hall 6): Represented by their printing specialists Hönle, Eltosch and PrintConcept of the Hönle Group will showcast their unique portfolio of UV, UV-LED and IR/HA drying systems. Ronny Mueller, managing director, of Eltosch Torsten Schmidt GmbH gave presentation of their drupa exhibits. The sheet-fed offset specialist of the group, Eltosch is to present its successful Light Guide UV module at drupa 2012. An optimized reflector system and a unique design are at the core of this UV module’s success. UV lamp power up to 240 W/cm offers the necessary power reserves for demanding curing tasks. With a radiation length of up to 2.400 mm, even the largest web widths are easy to handle. With more than 40 years of experience in IR/HA drying systems for sheet-fed offset printing, Eltosch has long been known as a technology expert in this field. The directly heated EcoDirect and EcoDirect smart jets are ground-breaking developments in terms of power, drying performance and efficiency.

With the latest further development of this series, the ECOplus, Eltosch has once again pointed out its technological leadership: when developing this innovative drying system, Eltosch geared very much on the procedural requirements of the end customer. So Eltosch succeded in bringing up a modulare IR/HA system that can be easily adapted to any line speed, drying distance or special application. The advantages of the ECOplus include: simple handling, easy mounting, best energy efficiency possible and reliability of the manufacturing process.

Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co KG (booth D70 in Hall 3): Markus Hoffmann, vice president sales at Leonhard Kurz Stiftung briefed what the company is to present at drupa 12. The company has developed a finishing process that can conjure the most subtle metallic sheen onto digital print products. Previously, it was only possible to apply a true metallic gloss to paper or card stock using one of three finishing technologies: full-surface metal deposition, hot stamping, or cold foil transfer integrated into offset printing. Now there is a new way: a process Kurz calls Digital Metal. The advantage of the Digital Metal process compared to full-surface metallization is that the metal lacquer layer is only applied to the desired areas. Any areas that need to remain white, for example for printed barcodes, can be produced simply by excluding that area, rather than overprinting the area with white. Similarly, when light clear pastel tones need to be produced, omitting the Digital Metal foil in the relevant areas produces better results than overprinting metallic areas.

The Digital Metal coating adheres well to all readily available toners, which themselves will adhere to a wide variety of print substrates. This makes Digital Metal suitable for a large number of applications. The process therefore broadens the scope of print finishing and offers new possibilities for visually enhancing digitally printed packaging, labels, commercial print jobs, greeting cards or photographic books. This new process not only makes it possible to apply a wide variety of metallic colors to digital print products, but can also be used to apply holographic effects. Leonhard Kurz will also demonstrate how to turn a 2 D barcode into a design element. The stamping foil manufacturer has developed diffractive 2 D barcodes with an appealing aesthetic that enhances the value of the product. Rather than being printed, the barcode is applied as a silver coloured stamping foil into which the actual code has been incorporated as a diffractive, holographic-like structure.

Besides, the company will be presenting the latest generation of its diffractive authenticity feature, Trustseal. The optical product identification specialist has equipped this so-called OVD (Optical Variable Device) with new features that will stop counterfeiters in their tracks. How to make a virtue of necessity, and utilize the authenticity feature for visual enhancement as well, will be demonstrated by the company, presenting two new product lines that combine brand protection and brand design in an especially effective manner.

For sheet-fed UV offset printing, Kurz will be presenting a new cold foil called Luxor/Alufin KPS-OP that the company believes will set a new standard in quality.

manroland web systems GmbH (Hall 6): Being newly positioned and optimistic into the future, manroland will present itself as high-performance partner of the printing industry under the new company name manroland web systems GmbH, featuring highly productive solutions for the industrial web offset production of newspapers, magazines, and advertising material as well as many innovative products from the printnet and printservices divisions. Together with manroland sheetfed systems GmbH, the sheetfed offset division of former manroland AG, the latest developments will be shown. New newspaper press series COLORMAN e:line and the LITHOMAN S for 96 page heatset production will raise attention. Nevertheless the focus will be the dialog with customers from all over the world. “We are listening to our customers. We want to make sure that each customer gets the press that is most economical for individual demands,” Peter Kuisle, executive vice president sales, service and marketing, manroland web systems GmbH, who gave an interesting presentation during the PrintCity pre-drupa event.

The takeover of the web press business by L. Possehl & Co. mbH from Lübeck/Germany as their tenth business division means a realignment for manroland web systems GmbH. Capacities and company strategy today match the present market demands. Medium-size structures and behavior create new leeway to quickly and targetedly react to customers’ requirements. “We’ll further strengthen our leading market position in the business for newspaper and commercial web offset presses,” added Peter Kuisle. “Our customers can trust that manroland will continue to bring forward the industrial printing industry with products and innovations.”

Talking about complete portfolio for newspaper and heatset production, Kuisle explained, “We don’t just build large-format commercial and newspaper printing presses. Our customers can profit from a comprehensive performance spectrum of new presses and a holistic consulting, service, and retrofit offer, up to process-relevant consumable components. As it used to be, for newspaper printing the offer spreads from the single-width high-performance CROMOMAN in single circumference over the proven eight-page press series UNISET and REGIOMAN as well as the double-width 16-page press series GEOMAN and COLORMAN as e:line or in satellite design up to the 24-page COLORMAN, XXL series.” For commercial web offset, the 16-page series ROTOMAN in the DirectDrive and HiPrint versions is available, the 24-page ROTOMAN S, the 32- and 48-page EUROMAN, and the LITHOMAN press series in short and long grain format from 32 to 96 pages. Depending on the technical advantage we use sleeve technology or the modern blanket technology with small gap for the commercial press series.

M-real/Metsäliitto: Briefing the achievements of the leading paperboard producer in Europe Juha Laine, VP, IR and Communications, Metsäliitto Group, highlighted the best paperboard product portfolio in its field and their advantages. “Main competitive advantages in our cartonboards include light-weighting, product safety, and visual appearance. Kemiart product group has been renewed, providing enhanced printability and gloss, apart from optimum results with every print technology,” mentioned Juha.

Océ: Roland Stasiczek, international marketing director continuous feed printers, SBU production printing, Océ also gave interesting presentation during this pre-drupa event, explaining their product portfolio to be displayed at the show. Accelerating the transition, Océ is offering ColorStream 3700 Twin, which combines best-in-class production flexibility and efficiency with higher speeds to master heavy workloads. With the addition of the Océ ColorStream 3700, the Océ inkjet family extends the company’s leadership in the digital full-colour inkjet segment and helps a wider range of print providers make the transition from toner systems, other inkjet platforms or offset printing to high-speed digital printing.

The Océ JetStream 4300 mono is the fastest 30” inkjet printer in the industry running at up to 200 mpm (3.33 meters per second), equaling 4,040 A4/min or 24,000 B1 images per hour. From a productivity point of view, this system has roughly 20 percent higher output per shift than other comparable systems. While Océ JetStream 1900 printing system offers speed, versatility and minimal footprint. Providing a printing speed of 127 mpm in digital full colour, a member of the scalable Océ JetStream Compact series of high-volume duplex printers, the Océ JetStream 1900 expands the range from two field upgradeable speed bands of 75 and 100 to even faster 127 mpm by increasing productivity by more than 25 percent. This makes the Océ JetStream 1900, the high-end product of the Océ JetStream Compact series, the ideal solution for cost-effective personalized, full colour printing.

In parallel to drupa, Océ will be underlining their leadership approach to world class webfed printing, embedded in to the entire business value chain. Recently the company announced that the new Océ Production Printing Customer Experience Center in Poing near Munich has opened its doors to the public – with more than 4000 sq m of floor space now available – setting the stage for Océ flagships of continuous feed production colour printing and workflow solutions.

Procemex: Mika Valkonen managing director at Procemex briefed the company’s plan for drupa. Procemex builds a visual disturbance story throughout the press. The Procemx Print web monitoring system is an efficient tool helping to improve printing press efficiency. The system works with intelligent high-speed cameras filming various key locations throughout the printing process, giving key information to operators and management of press disturbances as video data on web breaks and their root causes. The defect / root cause story is easy to understand since all camera locations are synchronized with each other, showing the same spot of interest at all camera locations. This allows efficient determination of the problem, root cause and possibilities to solve it faster.

Sappi: Eric Van den Bruel, director, product development & marketing, Sappi Fine Paper Europe was presented how Sappi goes contributing the graphic arts industry. “First we were arrogant… But then we listened… and we decided to change…How sex impacted the transformation of Sappi…and gave birth to our 3 values. Venus… … We focused our energy…and we simplified…took actions…and developed new products through innovation,” Eric explained their story. Talking about digital paper, he mentioned, “Digital is our future – also heavily linked to people and personalisation. You click on Facebook and you have ads that have been specially selected to fit your profile; the retail magazines that you received are also linked to your individual profile. In a world where information is king, we need to find the best way to maximise the potential of this information – we can do this through digital.”

Trelleborg: Leading manufacturer of printing blankets, Trelleborg, will launch the ‘Institute of Contemporary Print’ at drupa12. A creative and interactive space in which visitors can relax, experience exciting art and discover the possibilities of modern print. The Institute promises visitors the opportunity to see more innovative printing solutions under one roof than ever before. Presenting the preview, Thomas Linkenheil, managing director, Trelleborg Printing Blankets conveyed, “We have been coming to drupa for many years now, as it provides the ideal opportunity for us to bring our high performance products and solutions direct to the people that can benefit most. We are the only printing blanket manufacturer to offer solutions across all three segments: offset, digital and flexo.”

“This year, showcasing new products such as our Vulcan Synthesis Evo and Rollin MyCoat, we wanted to go the extra mile and really showcase the capabilities of our entire range of high performance printing solutions. The Institute of Contemporary Print provides the ultimate vehicle for us to do this,” he said. The Vulcan Synthesis Evo is the next generation in sleeve development for the Heatset sector and features an innovative new design and carrier. The new Rollin MyCoat is a 2-ply mylar based strippable coating blanket. Available in three thicknesses, 1.96mm, 1.35mm and 1.15mm, the specialist construction of this new blanket makes stripping very easy; the innovative compressible layer of the blanket strips down to the blue layer allowing the end-user to see if knock outs are correct and precise. A specially designed top rubber compound also makes the blanket suitable for use with both aqueous and UV coating applications.

UPM: “The company once again will be at the centre of action in PrintCity area, together with our customers and Alliance partners,” said Thomas Ehrnrooth, vice president, marketing and communications, UPM, in his presentation at the pre-drupa event. It’s time to turn the page and write the next chapter in the story of paper and UPM is set to do it at drupa12. At drupa one can familiarise with UPM’s wide range of papers for every end use and printing method. New solutions, like UPM SwanBarrier, for the packaging industry, wide DIGI paper offering or low basis weights products, such UPM Eco product family, are just some of the interesting product examples and innovations. At the show, the company will also launch a new service for web based pdf workflow and colour management. It has been developed to produce colour accurate print products on UPM paper quicker and easier than ever.

Masters of book printers gather
at Thiruvananthapuram (South India)

-Idea of ‘Book City’ mooted
Amongst over 300+ delegates hailing from book printing and publishing segment pertaining to all parts of India, the first National Book Printers Conference was successfully held during November 17-18, 2011, involving many experts sharing their knowledge and experiences. It was a pleasure to see a mammoth rally of serious professionals engaged in book production marching forward to achieve single target - ‘To become the largest book print exporting country by 2017.’ A report. Initiated and organised by Welbound Worldwide, with active co-operation of a monthly trade magazine and other sponsors, National Book Printers Conference (NBPC) was successful in terms of top-of-the-line participation by the people who matter in book production. A few publishers also participated in the event to know not just about the ‘quality’ binding, but also to have one-to-one interaction with their existing and prospective printers. Speakers to the conference came from reputed companies relating to adhesive, hardware producers, and post press equipment manufacturers apart from panel discussions involving successful and well placed book printers. The event was strictly designed in a way that the participation was restricted and limited to the specific invitees only.

Though there were number of topics discussed during this two days conference, the focus was also on ‘How to compete China?’ It is obviously the ‘topic of the day’ for any industry and book printing industry is no exception. In this regard, many speakers, panelists, delegates had lot of discussion and the common findings included: lack of print and binding capacities; limited availability of printing papers with unreliable pricing structure and poor infrastructure to tackle exports consignment/shipments.

The keynote address was delivered by Werner Rebsamen, professor, Emeritus RIT, who gave an interesting presentation on ‘Conventional & Digital Print Book Manufacturing,’ highlighting conventional book manufacturing, trends in digital print, ebooks, textbooks, international competition and opportunities for India.

While, Anil Krishna of Henkel India, a well-known name in adhesive technologies, talked on how to reduce your costs of book production - elimination of rejections, savings in operational costs, etc. Expectation of European print buyers was the topic of discussion by Dr Michael Euler, Wohlenberg, a popular brand of guillotines and cutting systems.

Another interesting topic of discussion was Paper Handling systems by Sven Schubert of Baumann, Wohlenberg group, who gave tips on how to increase efficiency, reduce costs and have happy employees. While, Peter Gyger, Robatech AG discussed PUR - the preferred technology in Europe and Ajay Bhatia of Kodak India focused on Digital book production and solutions.

Other general issues discussed were: international competition, ebook threat, warehousing needs, increasing input costs while the technical issues pertaining to binding included newer version of PUR binding, folding perfection, grain direction and IT initiatives within book printing segment.

A white paper was also released, which focused on creating awareness of the potential and the obstacles for making India the number one book print exporter, and trigger an industry-wide initiative to formulate and execute an effective mission-critical roadmap validating it with relevant ground-level data: trend analysis; key success factors based on marketing and sales elements and drivers; competitive benchmarking; cost-elements; infrastructure elements; etc.

Wohlenberg lends an helping hand
to Indian book printers via Welbound

Every Indian book printer has a reason to celebrate as one of the reputed European manufacturers dealing in book binding equipments is venturing into Indian market. Though Wohlenberg’s equipments, including perfect binders and cutting systems, have already been available in Indian market under distribution pattern, the new initiative involving Welbound - a leading supplier of book binding equipments from India, shall be a welcome move and may go a long way in changing the face of book printers community in India. During the recently concluded first National Book Printers Conference (NBPC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Print & Publishing interacted with team Wohlenberg, whose top officials were present to interact with participating delegates, understand their requirements and ultimately appraise them the appropriate solutions available with them. A brief note. Many of our readers would know already that a brand ‘Perfecta’ – high end cutting systems from Europe, is also part of Wohlenberg but being marketed through different channels. Wohlenberg has a long history, while in the year 1872 started as a machine tool company and entering into producing high-end cutters and three-knife trimmers during 1955. Cutting, a specialised operation has always been a demanding operation and manufacturers all over the world have been attempting to offer the latest through ongoing research and development. Same has been the case with Wohlenberg and from time to time new models with additional features targeting specific markets, applications etc have been introduced.

And after having understood the requirement of mid-segment Indian book printers, Wohlenberg designed an affordable perfect binder. This new equipment was planned to be displayed during the conference in Thiruvananthapuram, but unfortunately could not reach during NBPC due to unavoidable limitations. As per Dr Michael Euler of Wohlenberg, that was the only setback for them, otherwise they were able to have real good discussions with delegates at NBPC. They had a feeling that people are interested to upgrade their book binding facilities and meet the international standards. “Wohlenberg, on other hand, also would consider to offer training facilities to the ‘operators’ community and share knowledge with them. The possibility of opening an institute may also be worked out,” informed Dr Michael Euler.

As everybody is looking towards India, Wohlenberg too, was interested to enhance their presence in Indian market and there was no other better way to partner with ‘Welbound’ – which has a big name in India. So what precise the arrangement have been worked out with them? Will there be a joint manufacturing venture; or another distribution platform? “Well everything is open as of now since we have understood Welbound, not the country as such, shall make a beginning and look for the opportunities coming their way from time to time. We have met Welbound people just a year ago, understood the Indian market from them in respect of price limitations, features of the equipments anticipated like speed etc and genuinely felt interested,” conveyed Christian Baumann from Heinrich Baumann.

Technology co-operation and the distributing partner in India on ‘non-exclusive basis,’ imparting training to Welbound’s sales and service staff, shall be the thrust areas to start with added Sven Schubert. Will Wohlenberg help Welbound to market their products internationally as well? “Yes we will, but with tremendous improvements to be carried out in their equipments to meet the exact requirements of international community,” concluded Volkmar Assmann from Baumann Maschinenbau Solms.

Robatech: increasing interests in India

-educating printers and publishers towards gluing technologies

In today’s scenario, perfect binding’s success depends not only on the quality and type of glue, but majorly on retaining the glue’s salient features while it is melted on specific temperature and then controlling its right quantity suiting to particular substrate and the end use of the product. For these variants, and to tackle down these, Switzerland-based organisation Robatech offers the right solutions as a co-operative partner with Welbound. During the National Book Printers Conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Peter Gyger, director-market-strategy and structure along with Kishor Butani, CEO & MD, Robatech India briefly interacted with Print & Publishing over various issues lying underneath.

Established in the year 1975, Robatech is relatively not that old company entering to gluing technology. Interestingly none of their products are supplied to end users rather they work as ‘OEMs’ to manufacturers dealing in one or the other way with gluing applications. For example Muller Martini too uses their technology wherever needed. Though, the presence of Robatech in India goes back in the year 2006, their offerings to print and graphic arts industry initiated just early this year while they were seen alongwith Welbound pavilion in Printpack India 2011 in New Delhi. Italy based FIDEA – producers of specialized equipments also use Robatech gluing technology for tipping purposes. Some of such systems supplied by them are installed with Manipal and Thomson Press, etc.

To understand their precise area of operations will include the handling of glue applications in five steps viz: automatic feeding of glue; melting; pumping and dosing; controlling application and inspection/verification. Driven/integrated by software and hardware, Robatech has all skill and expertise to achieve the desired level of accuracy in achieving the results in the manner so required.

Having already acquired hundreds of patents by Robatech, the newer one includes ‘Melt on Demand’ concept which meets the challenge of unplanned stopping of machines. In this patented technology heating and chilling operations shall be controlled in one go. And now with the preferred alternative choice of PUR, Robatech has also come out with competent solution by developing the right hardware supported by appropriate software. Though the cost implications become almost 100 percent extra, but the durability factor in the finished product brings excellent upgradation. Robatech, introducing ‘SLOT DIE’ technology, eliminating everyday roller cleaning, brings saving of atleast 500 gm of glue which otherwise is wasted out. Additional feature which ‘SLOT DIE’ offers is controlling the quantum of glue as per actual requirements. It is important to mention that the cost of PUR adhesive is significantly high as compared to hot melt.

And then what to see next from Robatech coming as new is the ‘Speed Star’ in upcoming drupa 2012, the ‘GLUE DOT’ hot applications, producing 800 such dots per second with newly designed ‘heads’ offering life time working warranty.

Peter, while concluding his version, conveys that, he came to Thiruvananthapuram to meet top printers engaged in book production and was able to educate them towards PUR technology satisfactorily. He appreciated the curiosity level of the participating printers and publishers towards this.

KC Sanjeev: contributing quietly

It is said ‘behind every successful man there is always a woman or vice versa (now-a-days). And here behind the success of Welbound Worldwide (marketing team), there is KC Sanjeev, with ever smiling face, who can also be seen quietly present in almost all print shows, participated by Welbound in India or abroad. P&P interacted briefly with him on the sidelines of their plant (during National Book Printers Conference) visit in Thiruvananthapuram. The success of Welbound over the years is well known in post press segment by one and all. Quality standards, state-of-the-art equipments, efficient after sales service with a smile, friendly advice are the few USPs of Welbound and their channel partners spread all over. “With team strength of over 600 individuals, Welbound commands much younger faces with the average age of 35 years,” conveys Sanjeev. Ready to celebrate their 25th anniversary next year, Sanjeev says that in their facility from the very beginning full liberty is given to staff to execute all operations independently. Plant manager, having total delegation enjoys freedom to run the day-to-day operations, but need to meet the targets so set in terms of producing machines. Towards this all necessary systems have been evolved and everyone is expected to adhere to those. As per Sanjeev, the promotion of deserving workers/staff is also a regular feature for those who are showing extraordinary results, better team work etc. All staff members work very cohesively in a sort of family atmosphere.

Talking further Sanjeev adds, “We do not produce machines based on the pattern of incoming ‘orders.’ Rather based on their sales team’s predictions for one year, the plant management takes up those numbers and production is planned quarter-wise irrespective of day-to-day orders pouring in. This methodology has worked very well and we could maintain the quality more efficiently as ‘batch-wise production/assembly’ has become feasible providing us many advantages including delivery flexibility. The current state of monthly production comprises of 20-25 machines of single clamp; 10-12 six-clamps; 3-4 three-knife trimmers; 5-6 folding machines and 1-2 gatherers. However, all the despatches etc, based on priorities, are managed by our marketing office in Mumbai.”

Speaking about the new product development, Sanjeev did inform that a move towards ‘on-line’ binding has been there for quite sometimes and their new saddle stitcher with trimmer will go for production soon. Then seven-clamp PUR fully automatic perfect binding machine is under the covers which will also take-care all European compliances so as to target international market. Last but not the least single clamp ‘ULTRA BLUE’ perfect binding machine with automatic cover feeder is also ready which was on display in fully working mode suiting today’s digital print market providing short run jobs alongwith host of all other offerings.

Concluding his interaction, Sanjeev says that steps like quality in design and manufacturing; assembly precisions; strict inspection and rigid tests/trials of all equipments before despatch is a regular feature at their facilities with no COMPROMISE.

Srikals Graphics pioneers
holding pulse for business enhancement

One of the most preferred objectives of printers in India is to strengthen infrastructure to be reckoned with the ‘majors’ in the printing industry. Espousing this strategy, they continue investing in new equipments and solutions. Undoubtedly, the ‘infrastructure’ is a factor not to be ignored by the printers as it equally matters to print buyers. But to meet the challenges of ensuring effectively rewarding operations in the changing scenario, there is also a requirement of adopting comprehensive approach giving equal weightage to other factors for positive growth. One such significant factor includes ‘focusing on business enhancement strategies’, enabling optimum use of existing infrastructure to maximize the overall profit, and providing adequate stability in operation in long term perspective. In their relentless effort to help printers go well, Print & Publishing plans to present a series of such printers’ success stories, who have been performing sophisticatedly, constantly marking new feats since their inception. The first in this series comes Chennai-based Srikals Graphics, one among the best commercial offset printers riding on the dual commitment of quality and service. Established in the year 1990 with investment of rupees ten thousand, Srikals Graphics Private Limited has now reached to Rs 24 crore annual turnover, with a vision to be the preferred printing partner for their customers by delivering cost effective high quality printing services. This has become reality due to ‘focusing on business enhancement strategies’ alongwith having sate-of-the-art print facility. “We love to accept all such jobs which other printers decline. Accepting challenging jobs is our specialty,” said S Kalyansundaram sharing his success story with SK Khurana, editor-P&P, who recently visited their facility. “Never compromising on quality, ensuring timely delivery and keeping adequate logistics (stocking and remote dispatching), offering designing/art work service with guiding spirit to educate clients on saving in costs, with efforts to understand client’s requirements prior to printing their job, are the ingredients of our business enhancement strategy, enabling us to create miracles in our supplies,” he mentioned.

Setting the benchmark of quality

Since its inception, Srikals has been maintaining an excellent track record for producing print material of the finest quality. Being an EN ISO 9001:2008 certified company for their new premises at Ekkaduthangal, Chennai, shows their status in this regard. “Retaining existing clients and adding new ones, we have to set a benchmark of quality. Striving to make every process undergo a thorough quality check beginning with initial stage to completion of the job enables us to achieve maximum customer satisfaction. For better results, we constantly continue with R&D,” said Kalyansundaram. Since its establishment, Srikals Graphics has been expanding their client base, which include: Vodafone, Mahindra Group, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Apex Laboratory (Chennai), Mitsubishi, Ford, etc bringing lion share to their turnover.

Delivery satisfaction

“Alongwith ensuring timely delivery of jobs, keeping adequate logistics is also equally important for clients. Some clients want the jobs printed in bulk but prefer the delivery in parts, which generally printers do not give importance, allowing the flexibility in delivery schedule. The obvious reason is that most of the printers don’t have adequate space for stocking the finished jobs. In this respect also, we differ, having sufficient space and providing remote dispatching facility as per the directions of our valued clients. And we reap the advantage of this strategy in enhancing our business.” Srikals recently moved to its new facility spreading over 75,000 sq ft area.

Core strength

It is generally observed that printers prefer to be dedicated to only printing of the jobs, receiving ready-to-print files from the clients with specs sheet. There are only few printers in India who show willingness to accept a job in any form and Srikals is one such printer. “Being efficient to take challenge in handling the jobs in any form, we never say ‘no’ to any customer approaching us,” he conveyed.

Guiding spirit

To mark outstanding performance in long term perspective, every service provider has to ensure all possible saving for their clients. And Srikals never fails on this account. “We have supportive spirit to guide our clients regarding all possible saving in printing their jobs. For the purpose, we try to understand the requirement of the client before printing their job, so as to minimized the cost. This strategy makes our clients feel happy with realization of benefits due to our suggestions. We think this relationship, confidence and trust imply more than the infrastructure which otherwise everyone has,” Kalyansundaram said.

Optimistic approach

Undoubtedly keeping positive approach ensures performing confidently in any area of entrepreneurship. So can be observed in team Srikals Graphics. On asking about challenges emerging from digital printing, an immediate reply comes from Kalyansundaram “There is no worry on digital account. We learn from the fact that the introduction of TV news channels was being taken as threat to newspapers, but it did not happen, rather newspapers have been growing in India. The same scenario is expected to be witnessed regarding conventional offset printing, despite advancement in digital printing. We have confidence in our operation and wish to enter into packaging (carton) segment, observing limited growth happening in commercial printing.”